Boyne prove too strong for Navan

There comes a time in every sport when you have to hold your hand up and admit that on the day you were beaten by the better side. That was the case for Navan on Sunday as they lost the Leinster League u-19 Div 1 final against Boyne at Ashbourne. It was just one of those days for Navan. Boyne brought their A game to the superb Ashbourne facility and executed a perfect plan to nullify the Navan threat and exploit line breaks. This contest was hugely enjoyable with both teams determined to run the ball at every opportunity. The fact that there was only one kick at goals from a penalty indicates the eagerness of both sides to keep the ball in hand. However, it was Boyne's superior handling and cool heads that ensured they took control in the final 20 minutes to secure the provincial title in front of their large band of supporters. Navan did have chances and looked lively when the backs were in full flow. However, careless hands in the rucks often resulted in knock-ons and the resultant turnovers helped Boyne soak up considerable pressure. The half-back pairing of Richard O'Brien and the impressive Liam Bourke created chances for Navan, but Boyne's superb defensive line stood strong throughout and restricted Navan to just one try. With Navan getting beaten up by the Boyne pack, it took some superb play from Conor Ryan to help gain line breaks for the Meath club, but again the quick retreating Boyne pack rarely allowed their opponents exploit slight advantages. The penalty count also went against Navan. If any side concedes 11 penalties, especially in a tight game, they are unlikely to emerge victorious and that is exactly what Navan did. There were times when they found themselves in good position or had Boyne well contained, but squandered decent position by conceding penalties for hands in the ruck, not releasing when in possession or holding on in the tackle. All those little errors mounted up and were the root of Navan's problem. However, the biggest difficulty was that Boyne were a very good side. Centre Eoghan Duffy showed lightning pace to score an early try and he was a constant thorn in the Navan side. The front row of Jerry Oninawa, George Cooney and Hugh Carolan dominated the scrum while the back row of Shane Rooney, Ben Dunphy and Karl Keogh were superb at the breakdowns and ensured a steady flow of possession for Boyne. Such a comfortable margin of victory is kind to Boyne because Navan lorded possession when playing with the aid of the wind in the first-half. However, the Drogheda side stood firm and conceded few line breaks. The only pop at goals from a penalty came after two minutes when Boyne were penalised for illegal hands in the ruck. Bourke poked his difficult kick left and wide and Boyne were off the hook. Navan continued to exert all the pressure in the opening half, but just 10 minutes in they were caught on the blind side when Bourke's attempted pass to the wing was intercepted by Duffy on half-way and he raced in under the posts. Richard Keane added the easy extras and despite bossing the early exchanges Navan found themselves 0-7 adrift. It took a serious amount of sustained pressure in the following 21 minutes before Navan eventually found their way through. After winning a line-out, Navan opted to run two penalties and after going through several phases they eventually came up with a try when Darragh Mink drove over from close range. Bourke added the conversion to ensure parity at the break, 7-7. The second-half continued with both sides endeavouring to show enterprise through their hands. However, both sets of defences stood strong until the final quarter when Navan started to creak. With 20 minutes remaining Boyne turned over possession from a Navan line-out. The imposing pack moved the ball with surprising pace and after excellent contributions from Carolan and Cooney it was Dunphy who raced in at the corner to restore Boyne's lead. Keane missed the difficult conversion. With 10 minutes remaining Boyne made sure of the title. After more sustained pressure inside the Navan '22' Boyne found a gap and it was Michael Hennessy who raced through for his side's third try. Keane added the conversion to spark wild celebrations for the Drogheda side. Boyne - K McCleery, E Moynihan, E Duffy, M Hennessy, C Brodigan, R Keane, Shaun Rooney; J Oninawa, G Cooney, H Carolan, D Monaghan, O Howell, Shane Rooney, B Dunphy, K Keogh. Replacements - D Tallon for Shane Rooney 39mins, C Clinton for Brodigan 43m. Navan - A Smyth, S Jordan, D Dalton, A Douglas, K McCourt, L Bourke, R O'Brien; A St Ledger, D Mink, E Brennan, L O'Toole, A Meade, J Sheridan, N Carty, C Ryan. Replacements - S Kenny for O'Toole 49 mins, A Mahon for McCourt 61m.